Living there
You stay in residence
A room in student residence (occasionally shared), meals in the dining hall, and evenings with the people you arrived with.
Indigenous Students in STEM
A week in a real research lab changes what a student believes is possible.
We bring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit high school students to Canadian universities to work alongside professors and their research teams — at no cost to the student or their family.
Made possible by the generous support of our partners and donors.
One Week in a Real Lab.
1,000+
Alumni since 2009
106
Students in 2026
64
Communities represented
5
University campuses
Why We Exist
When students see themselves in science, they see what’s possible.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students bring knowledge, curiosity and perspectives that science needs. Seeing people like them in the lab — and on campus — makes that future feel real.
For one week, students live in residence, work in a real lab beside a university research team, and spend time with Indigenous students and staff who have walked the same path.
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Our Mission — to increase the number of Indigenous students graduating from pure and applied science, engineering, and mathematics programs in Canada.
Real Mentors. Real Research.
“This opportunity helped me clearly imagine myself as a STEM student at such an important university, which is something that I never could have done without the Foundation.”Rory Tatoosh MacLeodFanny Bay, BC · 2026 UBC program
How It Works
Three steps, one transformative week.
Students apply in Grade 11, are matched with a university research team in their field of interest, and spend a full week on campus doing real research alongside them.
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Step 1
Apply in Grade 11
A short essay, a letter from a teacher, and a parent or guardian’s consent.
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Step 2
Get matched with a research team
We pair you with a project and mentors in the field you’re curious about.
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Step 3
Spend a week on campus
Real research, residence life, and time with Indigenous students and staff.
What the Week Looks Like
Six days, on a real campus.
Photographs from the 2026 programs at UBC, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and McGill.
Finding your way
The campus stops feeling big
By the second day you know where the labs are, where to eat, and where the Indigenous student centre is.
Group activities
Time together, too
Cultural workshops, team games, evening outings and plenty of time to get to know the other students — friendships that last well past the week.
Hands on
Hands on, all week
Most of the week is spent doing — your hands busy, with a researcher working beside you.
Out in the field
Research leaves the building
Depending on your mentor’s work, part of the week may happen outdoors — collecting samples or taking readings.
Friday
Sharing what you’ve learned
A short presentation on your own work, the honour dinner the night before, and a mentor who stays in touch.
Scroll sideways, or use the arrows.
What It Costs You
Completely free. Every cost covered.
Your flight, your room in residence, your meals, and everything you do during the week are covered. Applying is free, and so is the week.
Travel covered
Residence covered
Meals covered
No application fee
The Impact
What happens after the week.
The week opens doors — and changes what comes next.
98%
of alumni complete high school
91%
go on to college or university
65%
study a STEM major or minor
Alumni outcome rates reflect all program years since 2009.
In Their Own Words
What scholars say.
Collected at the Honour Dinners and in the 2026 post-program survey, completed by ninety of this year’s students. Shared with each student’s permission.
The most memorable part of the program is getting close to people from all over the country. I will never forget the amazing experience.Cedar MillerWinnipeg, MB · 2026 UBC program
I loved the labs since they were close to once in a lifetime experience and were extremely unique. The people I met were also one of the best parts since I got to make lifelong friendships.Kianna BilinskiSaskatoon, SK · 2026 USask program
Send a student to campus.
Every gift helps cover travel, residence, and meals so that a student attends at no cost to their family.